Breakout star Joy Crookes brings a nostalgic sound of upbeat 90s hip-hop to her new single ‘Painkiller‘ featuring rapper Denzel Curry.
Following on from hit track ‘Feet Don’t Fail Me Now Part 2‘, Joy continues to deliver music containing emotional stories filled with raw and vulnerable lyrics which tug at the heartstrings, from singing about the chaos of life and learning along the way to passionately pouring out complex emotions you feel when leaving a toxic relationship. Whatever Joy crafts, she does it with heart, honesty and power.
Just like her new single featuring rapper Denzel Curry, with a blend of a laid-back, catchy beat on a combination of genres jazz, R&B, soul and hip hop- Joy sings softly on the exploration of the tortured feelings resonated when a toxic breakup ends, singing with a gutwrenching pain topping it up with frustartion, wondering why people can cause hurt to others. “Marvin on your lips, that painkiller smile/Every time you kick, forgive you like a child/Fake bottega tears falling in a flood/Don’t know what this is, but we’re not in love.”
With angelic vocals and a smoky, deep edge, Joy channels the iconic sound of Amy Winehouse, bringing power and strength to her voice so that you can feel every ounce of emotion she pours into her songs.
Speaking about the track, Joy says: ‘I wrote Painkiller years ago after the end of a destructive relationship. It’s a conversational tune where I go through the motions of why I dated such a gobshite. alas, at least I got a nice tune out of it.’
The accompanying video, directed by Ethan and Tom, was filmed over two days in Chicago while Joy was on the road supporting Lewis Capaldi’s US tour. Blending striking cinematic storytelling, the film was largely cast through street casting, including Joy’s on-screen love interest, giving the visuals an authentic, lived-in feel and capturing an undeniable chemistry.
Denzel Curry brings his signature energy and lyrical precision to the track, adding a dynamic new dimension to Joy’s soulful vocal. Hailing from Carol City, Miami, the rapper has established himself as one of hip-hop’s most innovative and versatile artists, known for his boundary-pushing approach and collaborations.
Joy Crookes is one of the UK’s most distinctive and compelling voices, blending soul, jazz and R&B. Raised in South London, her songwriting explores identity, relationships, politics and belonging with a rare emotional depth. Since the release of her acclaimed Mercury Prize-nominated debut Skin, Crookes has established herself as one of British music’s most important contemporary artists, earning BRIT Award nominations and praise for her fearless lyricism and genre-defying sound.
Why not listen to ‘Painkiller‘ now?